Health strategies to strengthen communities
Health strategies can improve community-level health outcomes, create safer neighborhoods, and eliminate harmful environmental contaminants.
Supportive, healthy communities strengthen family stability, foster strong social networks, and generate access to opportunity, all of which contribute to positive mobility outcomes at every life stage.
How do health issues impact neighborhoods?
- Economically and racially integrated neighborhoods have more local healthcare providers. 1
Predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods are more likely to have shortages of primary care providers, fewer hospitals, more limited access to physicians, and a lower supply of surgeons.
- Communities with good environmental quality see better health outcomes. 2
Air pollution contributes to asthma and other respiratory diseases, which increase hospital admissions and lost working days. Water and soil contamination can contribute to higher rates of infant mortality, hamper children’s neurological development, and cause poor health outcomes in adults
- Children raised neighborhoods with good environmental quality see better long-term outcomes. 3
Children born in areas with high levels of air and industrial pollution are less likely to graduate from high school and more likely to develop cognitive disabilities, work in low wage jobs, and receive public assistance.
- Safe, high-quality housing improves community health. 4
Lead contamination, insufficient home insulation, the absence of hot water, pest infestation, mold, inadequate ventilation, and other environmental factors in homes are associated with greater incidences of infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, injuries, poor nutrition, mental disorders, and cognitive development issues.
- Neighborhoods with access to fresh and healthy grocery options see better health outcomes 5
Neighborhoods without access to fresh and healthy grocery options (food deserts) are associated with poor health outcomes for adults and contribute to higher rates of obesity among preschool-aged children.
- Access to parks and green spaces improves community health. 6
Residential proximity to neighborhood parks and green spaces is correlated with better physical health, mental health, and general well-being. Individuals have less mental distress, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy cortisol levels when living in areas with access to green space.
Categories of successful interventions
- Community health programs: Medical services or health-related programs based in underserved neighborhoods
- Environmental remediation programs: Initiatives that remove pollution or contaminants from soil, water, or sediment
- Parks and green space: Initiatives that seek to improve the quality of and access to parks and public spaces
Evidence-based interventions
Intervention | Type | Category | Evidence Level |
---|---|---|---|
Alcohol outlet density restrictions | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Bike and pedestrian master plans | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community fitness programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Community gardens | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community health workers | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community-based social support for physical activity | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Competitive pricing for healthy foods | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Complete streets and streetscape design initiatives | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Farmers markets | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Federally-qualified health centers | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Financial incentives for preventative care | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Fruit and vegetable incentive programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Green space and parks | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Health insurance enrollment outreach and support | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Health literacy interventions | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Medical homes | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Medical-legal partnerships | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Mobile health for mental health | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Mobile reproductive health clinics | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Places for physical activity | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Professionally trained medical interpreters | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Safe Routes to School | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Syringe services programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Traffic calming | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |